Have you ever noticed that when you have a rough day, you just don’t feel like writing? Maybe you sit down at your desk and push yourself anyway. If you actually type anything though and don’t end up tossing your laptop against the wall, when you go back later and read it, is it any good?
Probably not.
There is a good reason for this. You are in the wrong energy for writing.
When you aren’t in the flow of your best energy, then you aren’t going to write like you. It can feel forced, frustrated, angry. And worst of all, when you read it later, that energy shines through. You don’t want to read it, and no one else will either.
The best thing you can do is to actually put yourself in the mood for writing.
Start with the space you are using. Do you consider your desk to be a haven? Is the lighting right? Are there distractions? Is the chair comfortable? Any number of things can play into irritation or even cause it, so ensure the right environment for writing.
If you don’t feel yourself for whatever reason—whether you are upset, sick, or whatever—assess whether you should actually write. Still want to make the most of the time? I get it! When I have a chance to write, no matter my mood, I have to take advantage of it (unless I’m on my deathbed, but even then, I would give it serious thought).
Still want to write? Get yourself back into the right energy! Do something that can clear your mind, like taking a walk. Surrounding yourself with nature is a great grounding tool. Really pay attention to the trees, clouds, birds, etc. Listen to the sounds of the forest at night or the seashore at dawn. And if you don’t have access to any of this—maybe you have an hour at lunch during work or you live in a small apartment downtown—do a meditation or listen to soothing nature sounds via YouTube or an app. Close your eyes for a few minutes and imagine that you are in nature. Soon, you’ll find yourself at peace.
If none of this resonates with you, then look at other things that can pull you out of your mood and help you become creative. I always recommend reading a book or watching a movie in your genre to help you get on track, but you can also just go back a couple pages or a couple chapters in your work and start reading that. If you’ve been writing in your best energy—as the authentic you—then this will help you continue in that same tone and energy as you write. Sometimes, just reading your own writing can be a great mood enhancer!
Use whatever tools you need to clear your mind and get back to you. If you know something that always works, go for it!
Then, as you’re writing, focus on what your audience wants to hear. You are influenced by everything around you, so you might pull that through into your writing instead of focusing on your purpose and audience. This is another reason why the ideal environment should be set up ahead of time.
When you know that you’re in the right energy, pay attention to how you feel. It will be something special. You’ll have words flowing from your fingertips, and the ideas won’t feel forced. This is what you want to embody to be authentic and reach your audience optimally!
My husband is a runner, and he talks about the same thing happening to him when he’s training or racing. No matter his mood, after a certain amount of time/distance, he gets into a flow. His legs are moving at his perfect pace. He refers to it as “humming.” (Maybe all runners call it that. I don’t know. I was a dancer.) If you’ve done any athletic activity, you’ve likely noticed it too. It’s a space where your body feels light and your mind feels like you’ve reached a higher plain of function. This is how you want to feel when you write!
Once you know the feeling, you can duplicate the environment physically and mentally and always achieve that energy. It will feel amazing! Go you!